Class Code 2842
Wood Products Mfg
Class Code 2842 applies to manufacturers producing finished and component wood products such as cabinetry, furniture parts, pallets, millwork and remanufactured lumber. In California the WCIRB-approved pure premium for this class is $6.046 per $100 of payroll, which is the baseline loss cost insurers use when pricing workers' comp for these operations. Understanding the specific operations under this code helps employers control exposures and payroll classification accuracy.
What Class Code 2842 Covers
This classification covers shops and plants that manufacture wood products and components from rough lumber, sheet goods or reconstituted wood. Typical operations include sawing, ripping, planing, moulding, sanding, routing, CNC cutting, assembly of frames and panels, glue-line and press work, and finishing operations such as staining and clear coats. It also includes production of pallets, crates, millwork, wood cabinet and furniture components, veneer production and re-manufacturing of lumber. Material handling tied to manufacturing (forklift loading, conveyors, staging) is included when performed by employees of the manufacturing operation. Routine maintenance of woodworking machines and housekeeping of wood dust collection systems by on-site staff also falls under this class.
Who It Applies To
- Production cabinet manufacturers and cabinet component shops
- Furniture parts and components manufacturers (non-upholstered production)
- Pallet and crate manufacturers and repair shops
- Millwork shops producing mouldings, trim and stair parts
- Veneer, laminated board and remanufactured lumber plants
- Wood component CNC operators and assembly line workers
Common Job Duties
- Operating table saws, band saws, jointers, planers, moulders and CNC routers
- Sanding, finishing and spray/hand application of stains, lacquers and adhesives
- Assembling panels, cabinets and furniture components using presses, clamps and fasteners
- Loading/unloading lumber and finished goods with forklifts and hand trucks
- Cleaning and maintaining dust collectors, conveyors and machine guards
- Set up and programming of CNC equipment and tooling changes
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $6.046 Rate
The pure premium of $6.046 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB base loss cost: insurers multiply that rate by your payroll (divided by 100) to calculate the loss-cost portion of premium. The final premium an employer pays varies by insurer adjustments, experience modification (X-mod), schedule credits/debits, policy deductibles, state assessments and any PEO service fees. Controlling claim frequency, maintaining accurate employee classifications and implementing return-to-work programs are primary ways to reduce the ultimately charged premium.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
California employers manufacturing wood products must implement a compliant Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and follow Title 8 requirements for machine guarding, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, hazard communication and hearing conservation. 8 CCR 3203 (IIPP) and 8 CCR 5144 (respiratory protection) apply; employers should also follow Cal/OSHA and NFPA guidance for combustible dust control, provide respiratory protection when dust or solvent exposure exceeds limits, and maintain guarded machines and documented LOTO procedures.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 2842
A PEO like Key HR can reduce workers' comp cost drivers by providing claim management, return-to-work coordination, and loss-control programs targeted to woodworking hazards (dust control audits, machine guarding inspections, respirator programs and hearing testing). We handle payroll reporting and classification accuracy, facilitate safety training and MSDS compliance, and can help improve your experience modification through proactive claims oversight and consistent safety documentation.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 2842 apply to custom cabinet shops that also install on customer sites?
If the work is performed in a manufacturing facility producing cabinets or cabinet components, it typically falls under 2842. Installation work performed at customer sites is usually classified differently (carpentry or contractor codes). Separate payroll tracking or dual classifications may be necessary to keep installation exposure out of the manufacturing class.
How is payroll calculated for this class and can subcontractors be excluded?
Premium is calculated on payroll reported for employees assigned to the class; the $6.046 rate is applied per $100 of that payroll. Properly written subcontractor agreements and certificates of insurance can allow you to exclude subcontractor labor, but misclassification risks audits and assessments, so document subcontractor status and verify their workers' comp coverage.
What practical safety controls most reduce claims and premiums for wood product manufacturers?
Effective controls include dust collection and housekeeping to prevent combustible accumulations, comprehensive machine guarding and LOTO, respiratory protection and medical surveillance for dust/chemical exposures, hearing conservation, forklift/operator training, and a formal light-duty/return-to-work program. These controls lower injury frequency and severity, which improves experience modification and premiums.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 2842
- Classification
- Wood Products Mfg
- Pure Premium Rate
- $6.046 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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